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To the Scab and Drow Digs
Ready To Go


RobC - "I am ready to go as well." 
Monday March 29th, 2021 2:49:18 AM
Zulok has a pretty straight answer for Elron. "Paintings, sculptures, tomes, religious artifacts and so on would be considered culturally significant. A pile of gold not so much. If there is anything that is ambiguous then we will assess it and decide from there"

With all questions asked and answered, the party are ready to prepare for the journey ahead.

Passing over to DM Kim to take it from here...

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Monday March 29th, 2021 1:51:26 PM

"Shall we leave after lunch, or are there more things anyone needs to do? If not today, then tomorrow morning?" Mundhildur asks the group.

"Master Zulok, what is the terrain like between here and the Scab? Must we travel through desert, or jungle, or forest, or plains, or hills, or mountains, or... anything else, to get there?"

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 
Monday March 29th, 2021 10:31:15 PM
Elron listens to Zulok's answer, but isn't sure it tells him a whole lot. Didn't coins have pictures on them? Of course, Elron will be happy to turn over any books or scrolls he finds. Even ones with interesting drawings.

"I got my shopping done just before comin' over. I'm ready to go when everyone else is, I think."

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle  d20+6=14 ;
Monday March 29th, 2021 11:12:55 PM

Zeoll shrugs. "The gold will sorrt itself out. I find it always does."

He is glad to get more information from Zulok, especially how the party will travel to the Scab.

Know Geography 14

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Monday March 29th, 2021 11:14:15 PM
"Yes, let's be off," Honor says. "And may Pantheon guide our steps."

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 1:09:58 AM
Asimov says, "I've never been on an archaelogical expedition before. Anyone know if there are special tools we need?"

DM Kim 
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 3:04:40 AM

"What is the terrain like?" Zulok responds. "A road with a few hills for the first part, then through a mountain pass, then downward to where we will follow a river, cross over another, skirt a few places of danger, then enter plains, afterwards jungle, and finally into the Scab. So bring what you think helpful for that. A few digging and mining tools once you enter the under-mountains. Any archers among you?"

"As far as time is concerned, I am waiting for delivery of something I ordered from a townsman. Should have that by early afternoon. So, as far as I'm concerned, we can leave then, or wait until tomorrow, if you think you need the time. Those things buried among our ancestors are unlikely to wander off."

He turns to Asimov. "If you want to find tools to help in archeology, feel free to ask in town. But shovels, picks, axes, spikes, rope, crowbars, knives as well as finer instruments when delicate artifacts are found. Brooms? Brushes? Perhaps a scales. A mule or two. Some tools may be found among my people, so do not think here will be the only source of tools."

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 8:11:36 AM
The twins nod along at the list. "I'm fairly good with the bow." one says. The other adds, "We can figure out what is and isn't culturally significate once we're there and have cleared out any danger."

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 6:56:23 PM
"But we probably shouldn't try to bring the wagon," Honor says. "Unless someone has a particular need for it?"

[OOC: We probably ought to change the scene.]

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 7:43:53 PM
Learning that he's going to have to walk, not ride, leaves Elron momentarily dejected. He applies his laziness to his advantage, though. "D'ya think we're going to need shovels, picks, axes, spikes, rope, crowbars, an' stuff? Tha's an awful lot to carry on foot." He's also not thrilled with the thought he's going to be adventuring where things are "buried among our ancestors." Maybe some holy water is also called for, and he can still afford a flask or two.

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Tuesday March 30th, 2021 11:19:48 PM

"Have I been to the Scab?" Zeoll muses. "Hmmm ... spent some time in the Culverrwood. Been to a bunch of places on the Southerrn Continent. The Taurr Isles, of course. Bonetown, Aisildurr, Dirrt City I think? Parrts of New Elenna?"

"I think this is a new place for me! And you know what they say about brain cells and getting old! You need novelty to keep yourr wits about ya."

Zeoll does not think a wagon will be needed. He can carry plenty, anyway.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 1:07:40 AM
Asimov says, "I don't know what will need. Perhaps shovels, rakes and other instruments of destruction. I guess we need to get cracking on that 8 days travel time."

DM Kim 
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 2:31:22 AM

"A wagon? You could bring a cart or two, small and nimble," comments Zulok. "A large wagon would do fine for most of the trip, but there is one narrow passageway in a mountain pass we'll use you would have to take it apart on one side and put back together on the other. Carts could squeeze through. The trails through the jungle could handle carts. Things grow fast, so some side brush will need trimming at times. But a cart or two, with a few extra repair pieces? Sure. Oh, and the river crossing. Could float a wagon, maybe. If the raft is in service, a cart would fit.

"There is a pair of cabins about four hours out of town. If we leave no later than three hours past noon, we can make those by sundown. Sound good? That gives you just over 3 hours to get what you need. I will take any last questions now, then I must finish another arrangement before we leave." Looking ready to take care of his other business, he will stay a couple more minutes. The last thing he says before stepping out is to the Twins. "Bring arrows."

Feel free to take care of any last-minute shopping, now that you know the general mission and nature of the journey. The items Zulok mentioned are all available in town. A sturdy well-made cart is available for three times the normal price. Another cart is available at the regular price. The well-made cart can be rigged for either one or two horses, ponies, or donkeys to pull it. The normal cart is for a large pony or a medium horse. Or, one supposes, a mule. Or wemic or giantess. He mentioned parts: two standard wheels, some pins, ties, and a spare axle can be purchased for half the price of a cart.

If someone insists waiting until the morning, Zulok will not protest. He simply senses most are ready to get on the road.

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20+9=29 ;
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 3:54:55 AM

"I will buy a cart. I have two mules. They listen to me better than most mules do. I will talk with the cartman about hitching them up." She goes to the cartwright, and buys the better of the two carts. If someone wants to buy the other, that is up to them. She also buys the spare parts. And feed for the animals. She gets instructions from the cartwright to changing the hitching for only one animal. She sells the wagon back for half price.

When she sees Elron, she asks, "You want to learn to drive a cart? I can do it, but my mules - Sled and Rockhead - will like your weight better than mine."

She replaces the large wool blanket which suffered such hard use during their last trip. And buys a fair bit of canvas and cord.

Forgot to mention: Once she arrived in town, Mundhildur arranged to have her dress washed and repaired. She goes to let the mother and daughter who agreed to the task know she needs it by 2pm. "We're near done as it is, ma'am. Two will do fine," the mother promises. The jotunnar maiden does have another change of clothing for when her mainstay is being serviced. She picks it up at 2, and changes into it. She pays what the two asked, and adds on top of it 20 gp. "Do something nice for your family with half of it," she encourages, "and something nice for someone who needs it with the other. You've done fine work."

She checks in with the smith to see how the shears are coming. And she picks up the new longspear which she admires. A staff of hickory and a strong sharp blade mark her +1 longspear. She asks permission of a nearby carpenter, then hurls the magical spear into the end of a log. d20+9=29 - a natural 20. The 1' deep log splits in two, and the spear lodges in the log behind it. She thanks the weaponsmith. "That will do fine, sir. I appreciate your diligent work." She offers to pay the carpenter for the split wood, but he says, "Was gonna split it anyhows."

And she now has a proper Jotunnar bag (as bag of holding, small size).

And a number of other useful items. She does not mention them all, but does let others know she has:
2 block and tackle
1 sledgehammer
3 crowbars

She buys in addition:
2 shovels
2 picks
2 axes
20 iron spikes
A set of 10 assorted knives with various utility
3 machetes for jungle clearance (10gp ea, 2 lbs ea)

The two lambs she tied in the back of the cart are noticeable.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 8:42:43 AM
The Twins are used to making due with what they have so don't think to buy extra supplies (in other words I'm to lazy to look up useful utility items :P)

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 8:22:42 PM
Honor buys a shovel, a pick, and a small brush. She stows them in one of the carts. She already has rope and sacking, so she figures she's good for the dig.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 
Wednesday March 31st, 2021 9:48:36 PM
Elron is willing to try driving a cart, sort of "learn as he goes." It's not something he's skilled in. (If teamster is a profession, he might do okay with routine stuff. He has no natural aptitude for handling animals.)

He goes ahead and gets a flask of holy water. He also spends more time arguing with -- that is, explaining to -- the weaponsmith over the precise characteristics of a really good whappin' stick.

DM Kim - Rollin' out of town  d20=1 ; d20=16 ;
Thursday April 1st, 2021 2:13:28 AM
Honor and Mundhildur buy (or already have) some of the items recommended by Zulok. A shopkeeper quietly says to Honor, "Word is you venturing folk have some kindness about you. Tell your friends we like that. The luck of Parsee be with you folk!"

A group of 5 children want to look at the long spear, and a tousle-haired boy admires the split log. "Betcha you could down a wild boar wit' that spear, ma'am," he suggests. A little girl asks, "Can I grow up so tall as you? Would I have to eat my turnips?" Meanwhile, Mundhi learns the shears should be ready in a few more days. "They will be very fine instruments." The charge is 20gp total for the two sets of shears.

The Twins take it easy. Honor's shovel, pick and small brush are stowed on the one cart that Mundhi purchased. If someone wants a second cart, it's speak now or hold your peace.

Elron discusses the proper characteristics of a whappin' stick. The weaponsmith suggests a knobbed hickory stick. "A farmer just sold me an old hickory tree. Used some for the shaft of the tall lady's longspear. You want I should cut this here branch to a particular size for you? Five foot is its length, but it could work shorter. The end is a little knobby. That all right with you?" The weaponsmith's apprentrice interjects, "My pa used willow switches for whappin'."

Zeoll looks forward to exploring a new place. Azimov is anxious to get going on this 8 days (or so) journey.

So, the team gathers together. Just before you are due to depart, outside the mansion, there is a rapping on an upstairs window. You can see the wan face of Daniella. She smiles and waves, then disappears from view as Mrs. Reyna's concerned face can be seen. You hit the westward road just past 2:30 in the afternoon. Houses and farms are passed, then soon no more are seen.

The weather is mild, the sun peeks through the clouds on occasion. A cart, two mules, and an interesting collection of adventurers walk the road easy. A merchant driving a covered cart toward Lockridge pulls off and gives the group wide berth as they pass him by. An hour later some rustling in the bush startles one of the mules, but between Elron, Mundhi and the other mule, things do not get out of hand.

Half an hour before sunset, Zulok has the group turn down a lane on the left, and five minutes later you come to a stop in front of two cabins and a stables. "Choose a bed. Sorry, Mundhildur, you will have to make do. You are a foot to long to fit on a bed."

Each cabin has four beds with straw mattresses, a cot, a table, a bench and two chairs. An empty wardrobe stands near the beds. A firepit with a clay curfew is centered a third of the way from one end of the cabin, and small stack of lumber rests a few feet off. There are six stalls in the stables, unoccupied. About ten minutes after arrival, a lad perhaps 14 years old shows up. "I am the stable hand, and can take care of your - mules?" He looks at the group. "Our house is back through that copse of trees," he points behind him.

"Rest up, eat what foot you've brought," Zulok tells the party. "I rise an hour before sunrise. Shall we leave just after first light?"

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Thursday April 1st, 2021 2:19:19 AM

"Hey! Wait, wait, wait! We don't need any pack animals! We have my new animal companion, named Bill!"

[OOC: At level 4, Zeoll's animal domain grants him a companion. He's chosen a camel. And named him after an old retired friend, and also a famous pack animal in an old tale.]

"Bill is all we need to haul stuff. I don't even think we need a carrt, because Bill is strrong and big!"



Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Thursday April 1st, 2021 3:17:03 AM
Mundhildur's heart was warmed when Dani rapped on the window. She quickly blew her a kiss.

"Bill, welcome to our little group!" Mundhildur greets Zeoll's new camel friend. "This here is Sled, and the other mule is Rockhead. They've been with us since we started our first adventure," she tells the camel. "You three should get along fine, once you get used to each other."

She tells Zeoll, "Venerable friend, I did agree to tell the fox to go away. But not my mules. They are steady, for the most part. If someone is injured, or just needs to sleep, shall we toss them on Bill? Well, perhaps. But a cart works, too. The more, the merrier. And if time comes for the cart to go, then, fine. I am sure Bill will help us in many ways either way."

At the cabins, she waves away Zulok's concern with sleeping accommodations. Long has she lived with no bed quite right for her. She makes do with sleeping on blankets on the floor, or sometimes, putting a few beds together. In the cabin closest to the stables, she sets to work coaxing a fire from the pit. Once it is burning well enough, the Jotunnar cooks food for the team. She then cleans up, covers the coals with the curfew, and goes to sleep. She asks Zulok to wake her when he does. Mundhi likewise makes breakfast.

As they travel, she grows to large size, over ten feet tall. Easier to walk at a good pace. In camp and at night, she reduces to 7'4" tall.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Thursday April 1st, 2021 6:18:37 AM
The Twins seemingly have no problem sharing a bed. Once dressed for bed and out of the bulky armor it finally becomes evident that one is male and one is female. Their voices where similar enough to make it hard to tell before.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Thursday April 1st, 2021 6:44:11 AM
Asimov sleeps soundly in the bed with Irony standing guard over him all night. (OOC: Sorry I missed a post yesterday)

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Thursday April 1st, 2021 1:27:05 PM
When Daniela appears at the window, Honor beams and waves back to her.

She eyes Bill dubiously. "Um, what do camels eat? And are we going to have enough of whatever it is? He looks awfully big."

At the cabins, she waits until last to claim her bunk since she really has no preference.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 
Thursday April 1st, 2021 10:00:04 PM
Elron also waves back to the little tyke. For someone who wasn't hatched, she sure is cute.

"Tell me if you've heard this one before, Zulok!" As they travel, Elron tells a tale to pass the time. "An old king was about t' pass away. He called 'is three sons before 'is sickbed. He gave each of them some coins and asked them to buy something to fill th' room. Th'one that can fill th' room th' best will be declared his successor. Th'eldest prince went to th' market and bought a cart o' straw. He tried mighty hard, but he only filled up a corner o' the room. Th' king shook 'is head. Th' middle prince went to th' market and bought a large sack o' flour. He threw th' flour into th'air tryin' to fill the room. The king nodded. Th' youngest prince went to th' market and bought a candle. He lit the candle in the room and left quietly while th' older princes tried to cover more o' th' room with their purchases. . . Soon the youngest prince was declared th' successor of th' old king, seein' as 'is father and 'is two brothers died in a dust explosion."

When they reach their accomodations for the night, Elron is happy to let Munhildur use a second bed if she wants. He finds a suitable perch (may even have brought one if the cart has room).

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Thursday April 1st, 2021 11:26:57 PM
Zeoll is happy to introduce Bill to everybody.

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Thursday April 1st, 2021 11:47:38 PM

Mundhi is floored with Elron's The Three Sons of the King story. "That, that is horrible, Elron! Where is this kingdom? Did the youngest son know that would happen? If so, he is wicked, oh so wicked!" She thinks on it a bit more. "If he did not know, then, I suppose he is not so wicked. But he must have been very sad to lose his father and two brothers! He likely wept, if he has a soul!" Then she thought some more. "I thought at first he was wise, because his light filled the room, right? But - oh, the explosion certainly filled the room!" Then, she gets to giggling, but then stifles herself. A little giggle here. A little more. She can contain herself no longer. She begins laughing so hard that she goes to grab a nearby tree to keep from falling down. Three, four minutes with gales of laughter from a contralto with a powerful voice. Tears stream her eyes as she sits next to the tree. Finally, she manages to regain a measure of self-control, and stand up again.

She says, "I am fine. I am well." She takes several deep breaths. After a few minutes she quietly asks Elron, "That didn't really happen, did it?" She seems very concerned with how he might answer.

As they walked those first hours, the woman asked Zulok to begin to teach her some words, and help her with the sounds of his people's language.

The night, Mundhildur reminds Elron that she had a perch built for him way back when, and she has been wondering why he never used it. She already brought it along in the cart.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant (Kim) AC 18 Touch 13 FF13 HP 10/11
Friday August 7th, 2020 8:16:41 PM
...Before they rest for the night, she pulls from Azimov's wagon a device. "Here, Elron. This is your perch bed." She hands over a wooden device shaped exactly as he requested back in the mansion. "I found a carpenter."
Oh, and I wrote in a prior post by Mundhi that she sold the wagon. Sorry, Azimov, that was not hers to sell - unless it's okay with Azimov! She'd give the money to him, paying him full value for the wagon.

DM Kim - Day 2 on the Road, and a camp 
Friday April 2nd, 2021 12:41:11 AM
Zulok snorts at Elron's story.

"I ain't never seen one of these," the stableboy says of the camel. "Where do bills come from, anyways?" he asks Bliss. "Is hay all right for him? Oats? Apples? I usually feed horses and the like." Zulok pays the boy a few coins towards the lodging and care of the animals.

The night is quiet, aside from typical sounds of insects outside, and a bird chittering as dawn arrives. If some need time for spells or prayers, Zulok will wait. When all are ready, he sets out a brisk pace. "If we do not tarry along the way, we can get past the foothills to the mountain road, and tomorrow morning go up and through the narrow pass I told you of. There are other ways around, but to the north lie toxic wastes and to the south a hostile forest. This is the safer way to go for now."

A few miles along the road splits left and straight. Zulok leads the party straight. A few miles later, the road splits right and straight. Again the straight path is taken, and the altitude slowly increases. A few hundred yards to the north a few deer are seen grazing. An antlered one lifts his head. A four point, young buck. A few miles later it sounds like there is a squabble between some animals. Mostly snarls, but no sounds of pain. That quiets quickly. A stop for lunch and to rest the mounts takes shy of half an hour. Zulok sets a steady pace, with five minute rests once an hour. "The water is fine in that stream if you want to fill your skins, give the animals a few minutes to drink."

By late afternoon the road begins to switch back and forth to climb upwards. The drow teaches words in underwold - a derivative of ancient elvish - to Mundhildur and anyone else who wants to learn.

Eventually along to the left the party arrives at a flat area lined with stone walls. A covered well is there, and places suitable for tents. Three different fire pits are there, but very little wood can be found. The tree line is about an hour back the way you came. "We will stay here tonight," he says, as the sun is soon to set. "There is an old bear who shows up once in a while. Don't hurt him. Toss him some scraps, he'll take them and leave you alone."

The trail continues upwards from there, and some fair peaks lie ahead. It's hard to tell where the pass is from here.

Please give me watches, if you set them, and a marching order for people and animals and conveyances for the morrow. On the road two or three abreast so far has been possible. Will also need a single-file for some spots.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2   d20+11=13 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=16 ;
Friday April 2nd, 2021 5:51:15 AM
Irony will take Asimov's shift in the rotation.

(OOC: Irony has Low Light Vision, Darkvision 60 ft. Perception+4)

Asimov and Irony will travel side by side where possible or have Asimov leading the mechanical minion when in single file formation. He'll take a position in the middle of the pack.

(Linguistics: 11 - Asimov looks for any similarities in the underworld word to any of the languages he knows : Common,Goblin,Orc,Sylvan,Giant,Undercommon,Aklo,Draconic,Terran)

Know: Geography: 22- anything relevant to area they are in
Know : History: 16 - anything relevant to area they are in

To Zeoll Asimov asks, "Interesting choice of companion. Perhaps one day we have a tug of war between Bill and Irony, though perhaps an upgraded version of Irony in the future."



Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Friday April 2nd, 2021 6:12:29 PM
Honor tsks a little when she sees the treeless campsite. "You might have mentioned we'd need firewood," she says to Zulok. "We could have picked some up back there."

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 
Friday April 2nd, 2021 6:29:42 PM
Elron assures Mundhildur that the story was only a joke, and as such he is certain the youngest son meant no harm.

He wonders a bit why Zulock didn't warn them to gather firewood since he seems to be very familiar with this route, but not out loud.

"I gots good eyesight. Can't see in th' dark, but I do ok when there's just a little light. An' I don't need to worry about no spells. I'll watch when you guys think best." If there's only one entrance to the walls around the campsite, Elron will watch from there. Otherwise he watches from camp.

The next day, if he's driving the cart, he'll be with the cart. Hopefully with someone strong behind him in case of trouble. And someone ahead to look out for things other than the condition of the path.

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Saturday April 3rd, 2021 9:12:47 PM

"So, did anyone bring a tent?" asks Mundhildur. "I have 3 large woolen blankets I use. I brought also 8 medium-sized wool blankets - just ask and it is yours. Zeoll, you can use one of my large blankets, if you want. I have, well..." and she pauses. "I have an everburning torch for light. Some torches, lamps, oil.

"I brought no firewood. But we have two, maybe three wooden shields. Arrows. Some staffs and longspears. A cart with some spare parts. No, I am not recommending we burn any of these, just listing wooden things we have with us. I brought two sheep," she refers to the lambs she took down from the cart, staked to a rope and set to grazing. "If it grows cold, then people can huddle together. Honor and I can wrap around a little sheep, and the boys can let the wool help keep them warm a bit. We can get by without a campfire tonight, perhaps. If not, I will go with someone else to gather firewood, if you wish."

She asks Zulok if there are trees on the far side of the mountains they will travel through, or among the mountains. "How many days will it take through the mountains, do you think?"

What is the temperature now close to sundown, and what does Zulok say about how cold it might get up this high?

"And, if cannot have a fire among us, then Zeoll can sing us songs, and we join in singing or beating on shields or clacking spear shafts together, and that shall teach us things from of old, and warm us in good fellowship. Zulok, do you sing? If you do, teach us, please, one of the songs of your people. And I shall do so from my people."

"You, Twins, have you songs or poems? Good Honor? Elron, I hope you can join in."

Then she thinks to ask, "Oh, what sorts of scraps do you suppose the bear will like? No, he can't have any sheep."
=========
Watches: Mundhildur is fine taking a midnight watch - 2nd or 3rd watch.
Marching order: Mundhildur likes to be toward the front. 1st or 2nd row. If others are very eager to be towards the front, she will reluctantly take the third spot. If the path be narrow and there be drop-offs, she wants to be near the cart to help steady it. She will tie silk ropes to sturdy parts of the cart, and to the mules and their harness. One mule pulls in front of the other, and the cartwright set it up so the cart can be pulled either by one or two mules. Most of the contents of the cart are covered by canvas, and multiple criss-crossed ropes helps keep things secured.

DM Kim - Of firewood, songs, and bear food 
Saturday April 3rd, 2021 10:22:05 PM

Asimov finds underwold to be pretty close to undercommon, though with more of an elvish emphasis. [Roughly compare mutual-intelligibility-wise with Spanish vs Portuguese, or either vs Italian]

"I wanted to see how astute you might be about traveling through mountains," Zulok answers Honor regarding the firewood. "Not my job to pamper you. 'Well-prepared is half won,' Azela'avaz used to say." He gives her a wink. "I will help where I can, but not treat you as mewlings."

"If you want to fetch firewood, do so now," he recommends to Mundhildur. "Should the weather hold and we make it through the pass with no incident, you may survive without it. Should ill fortune befall, a store of firewood may be wise."

In answering other questions, he tells Mundhildur, "If we leave soon after the sun rises, and nothing untoward passes, then we can be well downslope by late afternoon. We may make treeline before evening sets. The road wends through the mountains - there are several, but close together. The narrow part I told you of used to be wider. Part of Mount Sfaravna broke off, blocked the pass not long ago. The rock is hard, and only enough for a narrow passage has been cut through so far." He pauses. "If you want to cut it wider on your way back, once you have helped my people - by then you shall have experience cutting rock, no?"

What to feed the bear, should he come? "Whatever you'd like. Fruit, vegetables, meat, berries, fish, honey. Not flour. Maybe he will not come tonight. People call him Berung. They say it is bad luck to harm him."

Should it come to singing, he will offer a sad chant about the desolation of the survivors after the mountains collapsed upon his people. "That is only part of it. You would fall asleep if I went through it all."

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Saturday April 3rd, 2021 11:25:09 PM

"Who wants to come with me? I leave some food for you and to give to bear - Beerung? I have this bag I can put wood in. Honor, you come with me? Anyone else? Two of us, or three, maybe rest of you set up camp." She empties a good part of her bag of holding, sets it on a section of canvas she has pulled from the cart, but keeps a large woolen blanket and some bags inside it her large capacity bag.

She waits a moment to see who will come. "You see how fast I move. You can keep up?" she asks any who come along. She moves 40.

"Nobody eat the sheep."

When they get to the treeline after 45 minutes to an hour (45 if they move 40), she begins grabbing and stacking wood, quickly knocking off or cutting off with axe or machete pokey limbs or other pieces sticking out. She likely will need to chop some wood. She can put about 200 pounds worth of firewood inside the bag (full capacity 250 pounds, so well within the boundaries). One or two gather while one watches. She brought the everburning torch for light. When done, should all be well, she walks briskly back up the hill. If someone along with can move only 30, she will wait up for them.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Sunday April 4th, 2021 7:30:53 PM
The Twins consider their options and decide to share a variety of jaunty tavern songs they've picked up in their travels to contrast the somber chant of Zulok.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Sunday April 4th, 2021 8:02:36 PM
Asimov bangs on Irony in time to the music.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36  d20+8=21 ;
Sunday April 4th, 2021 10:39:47 PM
Elron is happy to help Mundhildur get fire wood. (He moves at 40, too.) While they're about it, he tries to figure out what the weather will be like tomorrow (survival = 21, successful enough for 2 days).

When it comes time to sing songs, the group learns -- or relearns -- that Elron knows bits of lots of different song lyrics but strongly favors only the one tune. "Roostahs is songbirds, you know."



Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Monday April 5th, 2021 12:06:48 PM
In her armor, Honor would only slow down the firewood-gathering expedition, and she is reluctant to take it off in the wilderness. She does not accompany Mundhildur and Elron, and instead helps set up the camp and make sure the sheep and mules and camels and bears all have enough to eat.

"Of course we can make do without a campfire," she says mildly. "We can also make do without a cart or camping gear or a traveling menagerie. We can make do without armor or weapons or food or water. But we shouldn't without good reason. We want to arrive at this site in the best condition to explore these ruins and help your people. Which means we don't want to arrive starved, shivering, and stumbling from fatigue. This isn't about mere survival; this is about remaining fit for service." She grimaces. "Sorry. I feel strongly about this. Depriving yourself to show how tough you are is really counter-productive."

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Monday April 5th, 2021 11:02:43 PM

When told he would fall asleep if he heard the entire epic song, Zeoll scoffs. "Maybe when I was in my dotage, but now, well, no barrd would close his eyes to ignorre a grreat saga!"

The liontaur looks forward to meeting this fellow, and will indeed invite him to sing.

DM Kim 
Monday April 5th, 2021 11:58:11 PM

Zulok hears Honor's rebuke. "There's some spirit. Life's a test. We should get on well enough. If you think I mean you any harm, you are mistaken."

The dark elf sets up a little spot near the wall where he raises a small tent adequate for him and the few things he carries.

Among his possessions is a bundle of metal rods, about 1" in diameter. He assembles them into a tripod. "I saw the cooking pot. Someone can hang that here." He takes a few minutes to draw water from the well. He pours a small splash into his palm, and smells it. He puts a taste in his mouth, swishes it, then spits it out. "Water's good to drink this time."

Gathering Wood
Elron and Mundhildur find they need to go about ten minutes past the first few scattered trees to find a place where they can begin to gather a few scraps - looks like things have been picked pretty clean at first. But going off trail they find a couple of fallen trees, one about 3 inches in diameter, the other about 9 inches. An owl watches at first from a nearby tree, then flies away. A small family of mice scurry about as their shelter is lifted when a portion of the 9" tree is cut and placed in the bag. Some 20 minutes of work is adequate to the task. Round trip just shy of 2-1/2 hours.

Campfire
The gathered fuel arrives. About 20 pounds of wood is enough to get the pot boiling and stew cooked, and to keep coals going overnight, but the warm part of the meal is late. Songs are sung, some lively, Elron's with various lyrics and a common tune, the Twins' tavern songs, and Asimov and Irony providing percussion. Zeoll and Mundi join in and add. Zulok thanks Zeoll for his request to hear the full chant. "I will spread it out though, not all tonight. We ourselves sometimes sing one part or another at different times. And not all our music carries the lamentations of this one. Even this chant has moments of hope."

Watches?
We have an iron guardian, a rooster and a tall woman who have offered to take a watch... During the iron guardian's watch, three hours past midnight, a bear shows up, and leans its paws on the stone wall, from the outside. Hair looks brown and gray. "Rowr," he says, followed by, "Rowr?" What does Irony do?

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 3:48:58 AM
Irony wakes up Asimov when the bear shows up. Asimov seeing a bear and knowing about Zeoll's proclivities toward nature and with Zeoll having his own bear attempts to wake the liontaur up, figuring the taur might be able to speak to bear or something.
(OOC: Did the ring of sustenance kick in yet or do I need more time to attune? Once that kicks in I think I only need 2 hours of sleep each night)

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 6:51:30 AM
The Twins would be happy to take a turn at watch, though for now they are merely snoozing unaware of any bear.

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle  d20+12=16 ;
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 10:40:45 AM

Naturally, Zeoll wakes and begins to sing to the bear, using his beast soother ability:

Beast-Soother: You can improve the attitude of one animal or magical beast per character level by making a Perform (Sing) check as a Diplomacy check.

Check: 16



Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 1:13:25 PM
Honor also volunteers to take a watch, and probably sleeps right through the bear encounter.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36  d20+12=21 ;
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 5:41:38 PM
(Perception = 21, Elron might wake if there's enough commotion)

If he wakes, Elron sees that the bear gets some food. If not, he dreams


Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20=15 ;
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 11:19:21 PM

Mundhi joins in, singing, or harmonizing, sometimes just listening during the gathering around the campfire.

She had been on the watch just before Irony. If a ruckus is made... well, Zeoll is singing a soothing song... She hears him singing, but returns to snoozing for now. [D15 - she can wake if she wants to, but if things stay soothing, that is good enough for her. She is tired.]

DM Kim - Bearable night, the climb begins  d20=16 ;
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 11:59:21 PM

As Irony walks over to awaken Asimov, the bear leans his chin on the stone wall, and yawns, wherein his teeth are clearly visible for a moment. He then smacks his lips together. As Asimov gets up, he stands up more. "Rowr?" he seems to ask. His right hand he puts in his mouth, then places his arm on the wall, paw upwards.

One of the mules brays, but the rest of the animals seem to take no notice.

Then when Zeoll rises, the bear's eyes go a little wide. He backs away from the wall. But as the liontaur's song begins, the bear halts his retreat. He begins to sway back and forth. Then he keeps his right rear paw in place, and his left carrying him in a circle about the fixed place. He makes growling, rumbling sounds which begin to match the pace of the tune, and fall and rise moments after Zeoll's voice falls and rises. We have a duet.

He moves back toward the wall, leans elbows, and his head weaves back and forth. After a minute or so of this, he says, "Rowr! Rowr?"

Elron rolled well enough to be awakened. And when he brings food to the bear, the bear pats the flat top of the stone wall as if to say, 'Put it there.' If a little was brought, he looks at it, sniffs, then gathers it together into a little pile and says again, "Rowr?" holding open his arms - to make room for more? If more than a little, he goes ahead and eats some. He claps his hands together five or six times, then produces a shaggy brown cloth - it it hard to tell where it came from - moves the remaining food to the top of the cloth, pulls the four corners together wrapping the food, takes the bundle in his mouth, and ambles away.

Azimov, Zeoll and Elron see Zulok sitting crossleg at the entrance of his tent, with what looks like a pleased look on his dark countenance.

Unless the party wants to do more, the balance of the night passes peacefully.

Elron's weather forecast indicates the temperature will drop to the high 30s as the clouds lift by noon. Then, in this area, the clouds will return by evening without an appreciable change in temperature. The following day, in the morning, some snow may fall. At least in the area of this camp. What will happen up higher or on the other side of the pass may differ somewhat from the local prediction.

"Let us prepare to climb," counsels Zulok. "Drink water - you may sweat it out as we ascend. I recommend we leave as soon as we may."

Once breakfast is eaten, critters are readied, spells learned, prayers uttered, and camp broken, the ascent begins.

Marching order needed, now.
==========
Anyone who interacted with the bear or observed it may reroll one time, if desired, during the journey through the mountains. I think that means Elron, Zeoll, and Azimov. Sorry, Irony does not receive this benefit.

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 1:57:13 AM

Mundhildur leaves behind in camp 20 pounds of wood, for the next visitors. "It is good to leave a place better than you found it." She thanks the drow for the use of the tripod for the cooking pot. "Handy, that."

She takes some cold charcoal, wraps it in a bag. She makes certain it really is cold before taking it. She draws fresh water from the well, and drinks deeply. She makes certain the containers for water are filled.

She hears the story of the dancing bear, and now wishes she had arisen at Zeoll's voice.

"I will go behind the cart on the way up. If someone needs to stop it from sliding backward, let it be me." At 10'4" and over 1,000 pounds, she can provide a fair backstop. Or speedbump.

"All right. More underwold. 'I climb the mountain.' How do I say that?" she asks the one who has enlisted their aid.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 2:36:58 AM
Asimov says to Zulok, "So what was with that bear? It seemed like it was trying to say something?"

Asimov and Irony take their positions toward the middle of the group.

Devices Prepared:
0th: walkie-talkies (message), compass (know direction), corrosive pistol (acid splash), light emitter (light)
1st: parachute (feather fall), wrist rockets (magic missile), medi-haler light (cure light wounds), fire-handling gloves (produce flame)
2nd: Fire eater capsule (fire breathe APG), Rapid Repair Nanobot capsule (Make Whole)

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 8:02:17 AM
The Twins are happy to fill into the marching order around what the party usually does. Their heavy plate armor would make them good frontline/lead candidates so likely they'll end up in the front or the first few in line.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 2:18:33 PM
"Elron, can you take point?" Honor says. "I think you're better at spotting things than me. I'll be right behind you. We'll keep Asimov and Zeoll toward the middle, and the Twins can help Mundhildur with rearguard. How does that sound?"

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 5:54:28 PM

"Well, if Elron is taking point, then I will drive the cart," Mundhi says. Since both mules are pulling, her weight compared to his (when she shrinks down to medium size) should be doable... though he weighs about 300 pounds less than she. She considers driving from in front of them, walking ahead with a lead, during steeper sections.

"Unless you Twins have any experience driving a cart, or handling animals?"

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 
Wednesday April 7th, 2021 6:04:18 PM
Elron would be happy to be the group's scout. "Master Zulock, are you going to guide us? I know, I say, I know a few jokes you may not have heard yet."

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Thursday April 8th, 2021 12:36:09 AM
"Maybe it was a woke bearr. I mean, awakened. He seemed pleased with hand-outs, that's why I say that."

Zeoll is just happy that his bones are not old like they were, seeing as his joints used to ache in cold weather. "What a joy it is to be young and on a jourrney with you kids," the middle-age-seeming liontaur says.

"Nobody likes the lumbago."

DM Kim - Climb and Summit 
Thursday April 8th, 2021 3:27:00 AM

"A druid befriended Berung a few years back," Zulok replies. "They say he got that cloth from the druid. The bear never comes inside the camp when people are there - but will explore and snuff around for snacks after people leave. I'd guess he started out by saying 'Hello', then 'Got food?' He liked your music, as you know, Zeoll. The story goes that people who treat Berung well have a small streak of luck afterwards." He shrugs his shoulders. "Who knows?"

The party ascends the road. With switchbacks, it gains 2500 feet altitude over a 7-mile distance. The clouds dissipate after a few hours, and the temperature has been dropping. You reach the first pass between two mountains, but the road does not narrow. The road descends mildly by 100 feet as it follows the edge of the mountain to the left, then rises another 500 feet, beginning to circle rightward. You see increasing bits of rocky rubble as you make your way upward. Two miles from the first pass comes a bend to the left - and a bumpy, rough section you now begin to pass through. Ahead lies a narrow gap, with a high wall to the right, and a jagged fairly steep wall leftward.

So as to avoid damaging the wheels or axle of the cart, some of the larger stones can be moved out of the way. Elron, in the lead, sees the pathway runs narrow for about 50 feet, and guesses there will be perhaps a foot of clearance to either side of the cart. A small rock comes down along the left slope and brings with it a few more about 25 feet in. Not yet to the passageway, Bill moves toward the right side of the trail and spits down the slope.

A cool breeze blows eastward into your faces. Feeling chilly. Yet the landscape is beautiful, and a small sunlit cobalt blue lake lies 300 yards below the right side of the trail. It is early afternoon. A hawk skims the surface of the lake. Snow caps the nearby peaks.

You all might find it beneficial to roll for Survival; Knowledge, Engineering; and Perception

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2   d20+9=25 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+4=7 ; d20=4 ;
Thursday April 8th, 2021 6:30:10 AM
Asimov
(Know[Engineering]: 25)
(Perception: 27 or 29 vs Mechanical Traps)
(Survival: 21)
Irony (OOC: forgot to update the minion's AC due to the bracers of armor)
Perception: 7
Survival: 4

Asimov says, "Sure seems like ruggedly beautiful country we have here."

To Zeoll he says, "Sounds like a lucky bear perhaps. I don't know if he was awakened or not."

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40  d20+12=16 ; d20+8=28 ;
Thursday April 8th, 2021 8:10:42 AM
(perception = 16; survival = 28)

Elron makes a mental note that if he falls, he should aim for the lake. He can't fly, but he might plummet somewhat gracefully.

He focuses on the rocks clattering onto the path, and figures where some have already fallen more may be likely.

Edit: corrected HP.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will  d20+4=18 ;
Thursday April 8th, 2021 8:32:15 AM
The Twins look forward to rolling nothing but 20s since the party was nice to the bear. Surely it'll start soon but for now they help navigate the rough roads (survival 18)

Honor Bright (Kathy)  d20+3=19 ; d20+1=21 ;
Thursday April 8th, 2021 12:40:32 PM
Honor isn't exactly a nature girl, and her ability to notice things is kind of hit-or-miss. But perhaps the fresh air has sharpened her senses, because she is acutely aware of her surroundings at the moment.

[Perception 19; Survival 21 (nat 20)]

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Thursday April 8th, 2021 11:12:11 PM

Zeoll trudges along. He feels tired. And lets his friends do the heavy lifting.

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20+6=20 ; d20+3=12 ;
Friday April 9th, 2021 3:47:53 AM

The Jotun woman has been leading the mules who pull the cart from the front. Rocks which might prove obstacles she moves out of the way of the animals' legs and cart's wheels - some with her feet, others she bends down to lift and toss them to the side of the trail, and a few down the slope below.

When she hears the sound of a falling rock and attendant debris, she asks those in the lead about it. She looks up at the massive mineral might through which they soon will pass - Mundhildur hopes.

Perception: 20
Survival: 13

DM Kim - Is this a Passable Pass?  d20=13 ; d100=94 ;
Friday April 9th, 2021 4:13:35 AM
Ruggedly beautiful this mountain trail is, indeed.
C-RRR-ACK!

The party hears a sound that penetrates their bones coming from high and to the upper left. Those who rolled Perception 18 and above can discern a puff of dust from several hundred yards above the steep slope in that direction. Then silence, as the wind blowing from the west wafts the dust back toward the way they came.

Asimov was thinking about how a metal mesh might prevent most of the rocky erosion from above. Just then came cracking sound. With a few calculations, he surmises this passageway may soon be blocked off. Even if they retreat, will they be safe? An urgency fills him that, if they are to get through this gap, they must do so immediately, or have a strong risk of burial.

Honor recalls a time in her youth where above a river a log she was crossing with two friends made a cracking sound. One friend froze ahead of her. She felt a panic which drove her to force her friend to move. "Run!" she had told her. They ran, and behind her came the other close on her heels. As they neared the riverbank, what they thought their solid footbridge began to sink beneath them. They jumped off to either side an instant before the log gave way entirely, sliding backwards, and crashing between them. Aside from the leading girl's twisted ankle, they were fine. The 20' foot drop of the log into the river below though was ... memorable.

This feels like that. Honor is convinced they must go now, through this narrow pass.

Elron knows the passage will soon collapse. But, I say, he can lead the party through.

Zulok says, "Ahead, ahead, now. If you have anything to shield your head, use it - and run through!"

Go ahead and make whatever rolls, and take whatever actions, you think may be appropriate to help you deal with the situation.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Friday April 9th, 2021 5:39:58 AM
Asimov sees the hazard and knows all the devices he prepared today are not up to the task. As the source of the damage is so far away he couldn't even buy the team some time by attempting to use the rapid repair nanobot capsule to repair some of the damage.

Therefore they must run for it. He cries out, "Quickly now! through the gap! I can't buy us any time"

He raises his buckler to protect his head and grabs Irony by its hand and pulls it forward with him.

Devices Prepared:
0th: walkie-talkies (message), compass (know direction), corrosive pistol (acid splash), light emitter (light)
1st: parachute (feather fall), wrist rockets (magic missile), medi-haler light (cure light wounds), fire-handling gloves (produce flame)
2nd: Fire eater capsule (fire breathe APG), Rapid Repair Nanobot capsule (Make Whole)



SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Friday April 9th, 2021 1:03:01 PM
When he hears the yells, Elron moves forward if necessary to leave enough clear space for others to get past him. Not having seen the source of the noise, he pauses when he can, but just long enough to make sure that everyone else is moving.

(That is, when the path is wide enough for others to run past him, he pauses. If it's that wide where he starts, he makes sure all the others are moving before moving himself.)

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Friday April 9th, 2021 2:05:43 PM
"Go, go, go!" Honor shouts. She starts forward, but keeps an eye on the cart. If the animals spook and it doesn't move right away, Honor will try to catch hold of the mule's (horse's? whatever's pulling it) bridle and haul it forward.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Friday April 9th, 2021 6:06:48 PM
The Twins might be saved by their position in line. They're towards the front so their bulky armor and 20 foot move speed slows them as they rush forward as fast as they can.

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20+3=22 ; d20+6=14 ;
Sunday April 11th, 2021 3:07:52 AM

No one has to ask Mundhildur twice. She has been pushing random rocks aside. She asks as others go ahead to do what they can to move the larger rocks out of the direct path of the cart wheels and the mules' feet. Already as Honor is now doing she had been pulling the mules forward by the available reins. Mundhi urges onward Sled who is in harness ahead of Rockhead, the latter is followed closely by the cart.

She has no shield nor helmet, and moving with reasonable swiftness through this narrow passage is challenging enough... she will have to take her chances on getting knocked on the noggin. She is actually pretty good at throwing rocks.
===========
Handle Animals: 22 (to keep the mules properly pulling the cart without bolting or stopping to munch on imagined vegetation)
Perception: 14 (to remain alert to changes in the area)

DM Kim - A tight squeeze  d100=46 ; d20=3 ; d20=12 ; d100=39 ; d20=6 ; d20=6 ; d20=2 ; d20=13 ; d20=12 ; d100=59 ; d20=8 ; d20=10 ; d20=12 ; d20=7 ; d20=10 ; d20=4 ; d20=5 ;
Sunday April 11th, 2021 3:48:07 AM

As people begin to hasten through, a few score rocks tumble behind the area the group passed just a few moments ago. Had the party remained there, several would have been hit, but no boulders are large enough to have knocked someone off the roadway.

The cart gets just past the midpoint of the narrow summit passage when more stones begin to tumble down, this time ahead, and a few adjacent to the adventurers. A few people were brushed by smaller objects, but none were injured more than by minor bruises. It could have been much worse.

Zulok is the first to make it to the far side, and he does not stop moving for about 50 yards farther. At that point, he turns and gestures forcefully for the group to come to him without delay.

[The dice roller is in the party's favor today] The group hastens forward, no one is crushed or seriously injured. Zulok engages in a bit of underwold profanities, then goes for the descent.

The road slopes gently downward at first, then switchbacks help keep the downward travel from getting too steep. The brakes on the cart get a good workout.

As per the optimistic possibility laid out by Zulok, the party reaches the thin treeline by 4pm. Another hour and a half finds the group at a good campsite - this one has two stone and wood lean-tos available.

Camp is set, food is et, animals are cared for, and the night passes without major incident. In the morning, Zulok warns that tomorrow or early the day after that will have the group out of the foothills and into a land known to be toxic. "We ought stay close by the river. A day and a half will have us to the plains, a better place, then a day to arrive at the edge of Cthonia and its jungle.A few days to traverse that, then to the edge of the Scab. To get to where my people dwell, another day or two."

Feel free to describe your traveling activities between the now and the edge of the plains. One good thing along the way is that the party happens upon a water caravan of multiple rafts going in the party's direction downstream on the river. They carry goods, but there is room for people, animals, and even the cart, in exchange for 80gp total. Does the party choose to take advantage of that?

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Sunday April 11th, 2021 10:56:02 AM

Zeoll is pleased to find people out this-aways, and would be happy to take the ride for the fair fare.

And perhaps the folk on this voyage would appreciate some music!

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Sunday April 11th, 2021 10:24:25 PM
"Our luck favored us." "It's surprising no one was injured." "Perhaps the myth of the bear is true." the Twins comment after they've escaped the fall. They have no objections to skipping a section of tramping about in their plate armor.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Sunday April 11th, 2021 10:36:10 PM
Honor peers up at the boulder-covered trail. "Um...Zulok? How are we going to get back? I don't think any of us can teleport."

At the river, Honor is in favor of accepting the ride and paying the fare.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Sunday April 11th, 2021 11:38:01 PM
At the pass, Elron makes sure everyone is all right, especially Honor and Mundhildur, who took foolish chances saving the cart.

Af the river, Elron is convinced that 80 gp is far in excess of what a raft ride should cost, and tries to talk the price down. Simply the fact that there is so much room tells you that the price is high.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Monday April 12th, 2021 12:46:21 AM
Asimov says, "I was thinking the same thing myself, Honor. I don't know how to build a flying contraption sadly so that is out too."

Asimov says to Elron, "Do you think that price could be negotiated down if we offer our services whilst we travel with them?"

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20+2=15 ;
Monday April 12th, 2021 3:02:21 AM

Mundhildur says of the pass, "Perhaps by the time we are done, someone will have cleared it. If not, we will be learning about mining and moving stones, right?"

At the river, when some balk at the pricing, Mundhildur offers a counter to the raft captain. "We will pay 50gp, and can help out along the way, and we have stories and songs, as well."

If the captain wishes to haggle over her counteroffer, she'll be willing to settle at 60gp - unless someone else in the party can do better. Really, if there is any drop in price after a bit of back and forth, even 70. But not 80.

DM Kim - Price Squeezing  d100=38 ;
Monday April 12th, 2021 3:16:19 AM

The captain's mate handles the negotiations. They are willing to settle at 65, and want to hear the stories and songs. They do ask if anyone wants to help with poling to keep the rafts in channel center. Some of the crew are happy to have someone help spell them off in that duty.

The group is dropped off about noon on the following day just beyond where two rivers merge, on the banks of the far shore.

The route follows the adjoining river upstream. The toxic lands give way to the much healthier plains. After another day of travel, during which giraffes are sighted at a distance, many smallish creatures as well are in evidence here and there.

Camp is set up, and animal sounds are heard during most watches of the night - were those a couple pairs of eyes staring from out of the grass at one point?

But nothing untoward happens, and the journey resumes in the morning. By late afternoon off in the distance it looks like a mesa lies ahead, but not to be reached before one more night on the plains. It does seem as though there are more nocturnal eyes observing the party.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Monday April 12th, 2021 2:05:41 PM
Honor is happy to help pole the boats. She chats with the crew about their experiences, and shares some of hers in return.

She gawks in astonishment at the giraffes. She has never seen one, and only seen one drawing of them. "They're so tall!" she says in awe.



SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Monday April 12th, 2021 6:52:05 PM
Elron remains convinced that they paid too much for a day's travel, but he soon forgets that. An opportunity to contribute songs and stories more than makes him happy. He even treats folks to a song greeting the sunrise the next morning. By the time they're dropped off, he misses the crew. Briefly.

Like Honor, Elron has never seen a giraffe before. "How tall d'you think they are?" He studies them a bit. He asks Zulock, "Can they be broken t' th' saddle?"

"I s'pose we'll be keepin' th' same watch rotation?"

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 1:59:44 AM
Asimov and Irony help pole the boats.

He says regarding the giraffes, "Don't they seem a little impractical for use as a mount?"

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 7:17:42 AM
The Twins also find the strange animals interesting. "They remind us of a great beast from home." "It has a nose as long as their neck used for much the same purpose." "Sometimes they just knock trees over to get food as well."

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 10:28:34 PM
"I can picture myself ridin' such a steed, lookin' out over th' land as I rode." Elron gets a bit starry-eyed. "Yes, sir. I gotta lot o' respect for that there animal. I really look up t' 'em."

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20+2=19 d20+6=25
Tuesday April 13th, 2021 11:44:30 PM

Mundhi pays 15 gold, leaving 50 for others to cover. She shrunk down to her original height and weight, for obvious reasons.

She finds her sea legs - river legs? - fairly quickly, and decides she likes riding on a raft (dex check: 19 to see how quickly she finds her balance).

She listens to the stories her friends and new companions tell, offers a little of her own.

Along with the others, she falls in love with the giraffes. "They are as tall as my uncle!" she exclaims. "My mother's elder brother. They are not as big as he in some ways, but, yes, they could look eye-to-eye! I wonder if some day I can pet one."

"Picture a wee gnome or halfling on a neck saddle on a giraffe," she says, giggling.

On watch, Mundhi notices (if DC 25 perception is enough to notice) the eyes in the night, and tries to figure out what sorts of creatures are watching. She stands tall, raises her long spear, and says, "What do you want with us?" in a moderately loud contralto voice.

[At the risk of rebuke for making a second die roll after the initial 'holding' post - my time has really been broken up, and I've been writing this in bits and pieces, and needed a perception roll. So there! Talk to me when I'm off my post-op drugs :-)]
===========
Dex check: 19 - on rafts to see how quickly Mundhildur is able to find her balance and determine how things work on a raft.
Perception during evening watch: 25

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 2:19:44 AM

Zeoll is alert for whatever unusual plants and animals he may see on the trip.

DM Kim - The Eyes have it 
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 2:40:42 AM

Honor puts her hand to raft poling, and swaps stories with the crew. Mundhi joins in as well, and the crew enjoy Zeoll's musical accompaniment.

During the raft ride, Zulok, after chipping in 5 gp toward the ride and exchanging polite greetings with the crew, says he is feeling tired, and sleeps most of the day on the river portion of the journey. Seems the brightly shining sun is bothersome to him, as he covers his head and face entirely as he sleeps. The weather has gotten warmer after the cool air of the mountains was left behind.

Along the plains Honor, along with Elron, Asimov, the Twins and Mundhi comment on the giraffes and their long tall necks, and whether or not they might practically serve as mounts. The Twins talk about a beast from where they come from with a nose as long as a giraffe's neck. As to how tall they are - most in the ten giraffe grouping are 17-20 feet tall, except for the two younger ones who are perhaps twice as tall as a lanky human.

In the evening when Mundhi issues her challenge, some of the animals move away - one small group went hopping off, with quite long leaps, - did Mundhildur notice a deerlike head, and little forearms, and large hind legs? and it gets quiet for a few minutes. Then the night sounds of insects and other critters gradually pick up again. Some sort of howled barking in the distance. The next watch... The Twins take over. Zulok is sitting up in front of his tent, as he often does at night. Seems he sleeps off and on again at night. He nods to the twins.

Half an hour in, the place goes to a sudden quiet again. Zulok looks over at the one in the red cape. "See that? Look like cougars of some sort, watching us." He glances over the shoulder. "Watching the lambs, looks like," he whispers. Perception DC 20 to discern what Zulok is describing. "One is circling off to the left." He seems pretty calm about it. The grass is about 3 to 4 feet tall on average in this area. A lone tree stands 150' away to the west.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2   d20+8=20 ;
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 4:24:27 AM
(OOC: Are the twins and Irony the only ones up to see what Zulok is describing?)
[Yep, Hugh, just those three people and one construct. If you think Irony would get you up for this, that would be fine. If Irony does so (or the Twins waken Asimov), then Highlight to display spoiler: {2 mountain lions apparently stalking someone or something in the party}-DM Kim]

If Asimov is awake he will try to peer into the distance to see what Zulok is talking about (Perception:20)

Otherwise he sleeps.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will  d20=2 ;
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 7:27:16 AM
The Twins are unable to see the targets described (perception 2). One draws a bow and nocks an arrow. Point me at them so that I might frighten them off" They don't need to land a hit, just fire near enough to startle them and make them run.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 1:09:22 PM
Honor is still asleep, dreaming of horses with very long necks.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40  d20+12=15 ;
Wednesday April 14th, 2021 6:31:11 PM
(perception = 15)

Whatever's going on, Elron wouldn't have noticed even if he was awake. Maybe that's because the grass is about as tall as he is.

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20+6=23 ;
Thursday April 15th, 2021 1:42:03 AM

Mundhildur manages to awaken. As the Twins and Zulok converse. She rubs her eyes, and stands. "What?" She sees one of the twins with a bow, pointing uncertainly out into the grass. "You aiming at those - lions? Cougar lions? out there?" she asks. "Try moving the arrowhead about a foot to the right of where it is," she says. "But they haven't hurt us, have they... lambs! Shoot, shoot!" she says.

The jotunar have low-light vision, and with the campfire, reflections of night eyes are not too tough to see.
==========
Perception: 23

DM Kim - Cats flee, are felled  d20=10 ;
Thursday April 15th, 2021 1:35:13 PM
DM Kim post 20210415

The Twin's arrow, despite Mundhi's suggested re-aiming, still goes off to one side. But the great cat that was slinking off away from its mate changes direction. They come together. Just then, Zulok lifts his hands, casts a spell, and the cats are quickly limned in a violet glow. Startled, they turn tail and flee across the plains to the west.

"Those are good eating," he says quietly, then sits back down before his tent.

The sun rises a few hours later, camp is broken, and the journey continues across the plains. A green-clad mesa rises up ahead, and soon the edge of the jungle can be seen. While still on the plains, Zulok says, "A way skirts the edge of that plateau, and joins with a road of sorts that follows the river upstream. Look, this place can be safe, and can be dangerous. So, eyes out, weapons ready. Enjoy the plant life. Watch for snakes."

A few minutes from where the foliage begins in earnest, the bodies of two great cats lie side by side across the path. Mountain lions. They have huge gashes on their sides, and both are eviscerated.

The ground is level and hard enough off the pathway to go around, if desired.

Honor Bright (Kathy)  d20+3=5 ;
Thursday April 15th, 2021 6:10:01 PM
At Zulok's advice, Honor really tries to keep her eyes open and look around her. She does not succeed [Perception 5].

"Oh, the poor things!" she says when she sees the cats. Then, "What kind of creature do you suppose did this?"

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40  d20+12=23 ;
Thursday April 15th, 2021 11:22:17 PM
"That's, I say, that's just not nat'ral. Killin' an animal an' not eatin' it? That's just bad." Elron watches even more closely for danger now.

(perception = 23)

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Friday April 16th, 2021 12:53:43 AM

Mundhi looks down at the fallen creatures. "Looks like something took them fast," she says. "I don't know, Honor. You may be right, Elron."

DM Kim - Onward, into Cthonia  d20=13 ;
Friday April 16th, 2021 1:33:29 AM

Zulok crouches down, runs a finger along the skin just beyond the gash. "Huh," he says. "Something fast got them. And strong."

He wipes his finger off in the grass, stands, and walks into the jungle.

The trail next to the mesa is reasonably cart worthy except in one spot where it looks as if some behemoth and another huge monster traded knocking down trees and made a trench or two in the vicinity. It takes half an hour extra to figure a way around. The machetes come in handy for the task. There are sounds, songs, snorts, colorful birds. Zeoll may be delighted to find a number of plants he was previously not acquainted with, or had only heard of. The Twins find a tree that looks like the branches are the perfect size and straightness for fashioning arrows - they are able to harvest about 25, of which most could be converted with work and skill. Honor finds a piece of very hard wood that reminds her of an object in a necklace her mother wore - carved into what looks like ropes woven into and around each other.

At one point Zulok signals silence, urges the cart to be moved to the bushes, and for all to sit quiet and hidden until he whistles,and he asks to have the camel sit down - which Zeoll is able to handle, and for the mules to lie on their sides, and Mundi takes a few minutes to accomplish that. More than five minutes after the party hides and the last animal has joined in the crouching, a sudden cacophony of hoops and hollers and whistles and animal shouts burst forth coming the party's way. Monkeys run along the pathway, some swing along the trees. Large apes come hooting and roaring after them, one stopping to beat his chest not far from those hidden. Although one of the mules begins braying, his voice is lost in the competition of sounds. Elron feels a call in his breast to answer the chest-beater, yet he manages to resist that urge. After a few minutes, Zulok whistles, and urges the party to make haste further down the pathway.

There were a few other encounters of interest, but fortunately nothing deadly to the travelers. Zulok has been teaching words, phrases. By the time they reach their destination, those trying to learn Underwold (and who either had a language slot available or who spent a skillpoint on linguistics) are halfway to proficiency. If a PC such as Asimov already had undercommon - you are well on your way, as they are cognate tongues.

After just over two days passage through Cthonia, they climb a fairly steep hill, and the foothills of the Scab lie ahead. A few hours into the hills and sunset comes. Another day passes, late afternoon you take the rightward fork of the pathway, and mid-morning the following day Zulok says, "We are an hour from the entrance to a cave that will take you to my people." He then turns and walks along the pathway.

If there is anything you wish to do before entering the cave, now is the time.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Friday April 16th, 2021 1:47:05 AM
Asimov sharpens his dagger with his wet stone, "It probably doesn't hurt to be prepared. Who knows what we will find in the temple."

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Friday April 16th, 2021 8:17:51 AM
The Twins are quick to follow Zulok's warnings and advice and pleased to make it through the dangerous wildland without incident. Upon hearing they're close they straighten their outfits and brush the dirt of the road off as best they can so as to be presentable.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Friday April 16th, 2021 1:11:53 PM
Honor smiles fondly at the twisty piece of hardwood, which reminds her of a gold necklace her mother often wears. She tucks the little piece of wood into her belt pouch.

When the monkeys and apes pass by, she watches in wide-eyed astonishment, having never seen anything like that!

She listens to the language lessons but doesn't attempt to participate, referring to herself as "a hopeless ninny."



SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Friday April 16th, 2021 11:42:54 PM
Elron has no chance of learning a language, and doesn't know what he would do different for entering the cave that he wouldn't do for travel in general. Maybe if he'd had the foresight to bring one he could ready a lantern, but . . .

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Saturday April 17th, 2021 10:09:34 PM

Mundhi had picked up a few stones from the mountain pass. Now in the Scab, she collects a few more along the way. Who are we meeting, do you suppose? What is a proper greeting for them? she queries Zulok along those lines. For the first half hour towards the cave, she is large. Then she goes back to medium size.

DM Kim - Welcome to the Cave 
Monday April 19th, 2021 6:18:51 PM

The cave entrance shows up as the trail rounds a corner. Zulok says, "Leave the cart here for the moment," and walks in. The opening itself is 8-9 feet high, 10 feet across - the party and their cart can fit within - but he asked that it be left outside. There's room for it just off trail.

As you enter you see two pairs of armed male drow, one pair on each side of the cave, hands on sheathed rapiers, standing at stiff attention, at ten feet into the cave and twenty feet inside. Twenty-five feet within stands a stunningly beautiful curvaceous drow female, skin deep black with a purple sheen to it, her smooth and thick braided hair falling down to just below her shoulder blades. She takes two steps forward, and opens her arms in a warm gesture of greeting.

"You are most welcome, friends, if I may call you that. I am Nilyndryl of House D'gul. And, if I am not mistaken, you have answered my call through Zulok, my emissary, to aid us in uncovering important elements of our people's past?" Her intonation makes of it a question.

Two more drow males stand behind her, attentive to what is going on, respectful. They are clad not as warriors, but in more flowing garb. Each appears to be armed with nothing more than a sheathed dagger at the waist. Nilyndryl herself is dressed in flowing dark silks, or something resembling silk, touched with red highlights, and small white circles, one each midway between shoulder and breast.

The cave opens up to a width of 25 to 30 feet, and extends back from the entrance perhaps 40 feet. The ceiling curves upward to as high as 25 feet. The two male - drow-in-waiting? are 30 feet beyond the entrance.

If you have the requisite skill(s), please make a knowledge (nobility) and knowledge (local) check.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Monday April 19th, 2021 10:42:53 PM
(Elron has neither skill.)

"Howdy-do," Elron calls out to the various drow, waving and nodding to guards, attendants, and leader-type alike. Even the guys in the back. "Yeah, we said we'd try t' help."



Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2   d20+9=21 ;
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 5:40:54 AM
(Knowledge: History: 21)

Asimov thinks if he might know anything historical about the temple in general.

Asimov says, "Well met."

He continues, "Irony and I have never been on an archeological expedition before. There is a first time for everything though. We are happy to investigate your temple to search for culturally significant objects."

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 8:18:22 AM
The Twins return the greeting, doing some sort of hand motion they probably learned was a traditionally drow greeting somewhere. Whether they heard right, or if this particular group of drow use that greeting, is entirely unknown but they're at least trying to be polite. Then one of them, standing slightly behind the other, mutters, "They greet us warmly but the guards put hands on sheathed weapons. Is that not considered a threat in this culture?"

The comment, though muttered, is almost certainly loud enough to be overheard, causing the second twin to elbow the first.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Tuesday April 20th, 2021 1:00:50 PM
Honor smiles politely. "Thank you for your welcome," she says. "We will do our best to help you."

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41   d20+2=6 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 12:33:06 AM

"We have caves in the mountains I come from, and some dwell within. My great grandfather built of stone our dwelling, but it opens into caves and a few tunnels in the back. This makes me feel more at home, Nilyndryl of House D'gul. Looks like you do not want for men to serve you - which is not quite what it is like at home, though. I am Mundhildur Karadottir." Then she switches to underwold and says, "May your shadows be cast by the light of the moons," which Zulok had taught her was a greeting of honor.

To the Twins, she says, "Shush. The only threat is if you do something stupid." She was impressed with whatever they did with their hands. She places those movements in her memory.

"As Elron said, we have come to help. How might we do so?"
==========
Knowledge, local: 6

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle (by Kim)  d20+6=14 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 12:46:55 AM
The grey-maned liontaur who stands nearly as tall as the Jotun woman sweeps forth his right hand and gives a leonine bow to the beautiful drow - matriarch, perhaps? "We will serrve as we may, lady of rraven hair. I am Zeoll, and these my worrthy frriends. Zulok prroved an able guide to us, though he did tease a bit. Thank you, Zulok, for leading us on a dangerous journey in rrelative safety."

The cave seems rather austere to him. "Um, where do we go frrom here?"
=========
Knowledge, local: 14

DM Kim. Pleasantries and preparations to palaver  d20+7=19 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 1:53:21 AM

Nilyndryl turns her head slightly to the right as Elron speaks. Perhaps her white-pupiled eyes reflect some levity as he waves to her entourage. She nods in affirmation of his offer.

Her eyes land on Asimov. "That is an iron man with you?" [Asimov's knowledge history check may come in handy soon enough.]

She returns the answer to the Twins' gesture with her own, which reverses the order of the offered greeting, to reflect it back to the initator. After their audible whisper she responds with a stage whisper which all can hear, "We have learned to be polite and welcoming, but also to be ready for what may happen when meeting strangers. If unruly actions occur not, their rapiers will remain sheathed." She gives an order in her own tongue, and the guards take hands from weapons, and stand at ease.

"Your words are good," she says to Honor.

The dark woman has a face with high cheekbones, fine chiseled features, and balanced symmetry. She listens as Mundhildur recounts her acquaintance with caves, and a distinction between their cultures. "Blessings of the ancestors may be rediscovered in the shadows, Mundhildur Karadottir," she replies to the underwold greeting.

She spreads her hands and inclines her head to reciprocate Zeoll's courtly bow. Then she turns to the party's guide and says, her left eyebrow arched, "You teased, Zulok Crudiseh?"

"Oh, perhaps tested is the better word, Lady of my house," he replies with a smile. "They did well enough. Not afraid of work."

"Hmmm, very well, Zulok. Zeoll asked a question. In answer, can you guide them a few steps further to the tabled room?" Her right hand, open, indicates the direction. Two guards briskly walk the direction she showed, and Zulok seems to sigh at their going before him. "Of course," he responds. He speaks to the two men at the back, says to the party, "One will see to your animals and cart," then turns to the side of the cave. In what looks simply like part of the wall of the cave, one of the guards reaches into an indentation, presses, then pulls. Smooth as silk a stone oval-shaped door opens 10 feet tall, 8 feet wide.

Zulok guides the group through expertly carved and perfectly fashioned stone tunnels. He stops at an intersection, hand held behind him to forestall forward motion until he seems satisfied. To the left, and through a door he goes into a room with a large granite table, chairs surrounding it. Four everburning torches provide light in the room. Outside the door two guards remain. Behind the party two more guards come before their drow leader, then she steps between them and walks to the table's head. "Please take a seat, and we can begin to answer your questions." She sits. The guards flank her, legs shoulder-width apart, and hands clasped behind their backs.

The seats are large stone chairs, sturdy. The lady's chair is the same size and height, but with intricate carvings on it - something fit for a leader. One of her men-at-waiting stands to one side of the room. The other is absent for the moment. Zulok says, "By your leave, mistress, I shall go help with the animals." She nods, he leaves.

"Once you are settled, I shall begin."

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle (by Kim) 
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 2:00:09 AM

The liontaur takes in the interactions. In the tabled room, he says, "If it be no problem, I shall forrgo the chairr," Zeoll says, and moves the heavy seating back. He approaches the table and sits on his haunches. He leans his forearms against the edge of the granite table. "This rreminds me of a rroom in Oshirr,"

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  d20+6=25 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+2=19 ;
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 2:15:45 AM

Mundhildur stifles a giggle at the woman's answer to the twins. On the way out of the cave, she tells one of the men-at-waiting who is heading off to take care of the animals where to find food for the beasts on their cart. "Give them water, too, please."

She takes a moment to look at and admire the stone door, then slips through. Her fingertips follow the walls, and reach to touch the ceiling, if it is not too high.

In the tabled room, she finds a seat close to their hostess. "I'm ready to listen."
===========
Perception: 25 To observe details of the surroundings
Sense Motive: 16 - To figure out Nilyndryl's motives, purpose
Knowledge, history: 13 - for whatever
Knowledge, local: 19 - for whatever other local things might be useful

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 8:00:04 AM
The Twins sit next to each other of course, close enough so they're almost touching. They don't share any further comments, merely looking attentive and interested.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 11:42:08 AM
Honor waits for her companions to seat themselves before choosing one of the remaining chairs and sitting down. Her expression is thoughtful.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Wednesday April 21st, 2021 5:24:56 PM
Elron selects a chair and perches on it. Normally he'd be talking up a storm, but he hasn't found the right pun to base a conversation on, yet.

DM KimA 
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 4:21:38 AM

"No problem whatsoever, Zeoll, make yourself comfortable," replies Nilyndryl to the liontaur. Chairs are not generally designed for liontaurs.

It comes to mind to Mundhildur that drow have no need of lighting. In fact, lights like this may hamper their vision. The torches are in place for the benefit of visitors.

She observes the Twins, Honor and Elron settle in, and begins. "I know that Zulok Crudiseh told you some things about what we are doing, and how we might need outside help.

"I have started excavating the lava tubes of the Scab. One hope is that we have a chance to recover our fallen and let them finally find peace." She looks down at the table, and breathes in and out. She raises her eyes again. "We then came across something unusual. Adjacent to one of the lava tubes was found a stone room with a door. This door we cannot open. Our scholars tell me it leads to a temple of some kind. Yet we have been unable to enter it."

A few at the table understand that lava tubes allow for transport underground, safe from the surface hazards in the Scab. In his few years in the Wold, Asimov learned that during the years of ascension, drow used teucri-enhanced lava tubes in the Scab to launch attacks both on dwarves in the mountains as well as on surface-dwelling races. He knows, furthermore, that several well-known adventuring groups - including the Storm Dragons - intentionally collapsed the tunnels, slaying over 100,000 drow and for the most part destroying that culture within the Wold.

"It is in solving the problem of access to this area critical to understanding our people's history, and perhaps understanding why it is a problem, that we seek your help. If you have questions, ask."

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 4:25:37 AM

"Thank you for providing the lights. We lack your gift for seeing in total darkness," Mundhildur says. "Now, do you suppose some force is keeping you out? What do you speculate might be the reason for the obstacles you have encountered?"

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle (by Kim) 
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 4:28:28 AM

"Has anyone died trying to get into, through, or arround the shut doorr?" Zeoll inquires.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 6:06:45 AM
Asimov says to Nilyndryl, "Yes, Irony is my Mechanical minion. I built him. I am somewhat of a tinkerer. He is somewhat of a bodyguard to me."

Asimov asks, "Is there any indication that the door to the temple has been potentially enhanced by teucri technology in the way that the lava tubes were during the year of the ascension?"

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 8:02:23 AM
The Twins asks, "If the door does not open" "What are we supposed to do?"

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 1:26:23 PM
Honor looks puzzled. "Of course I'll help if I can, but I can't imagine I'd bring anything to the challenge that your people don't already possess."

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Thursday April 22nd, 2021 8:34:12 PM
"Zulock did not say he was lookin' for any particular set o' skills t'explore th' place. I take it you have some reason t' think we might be able t' open th' door."

Elron consider for a moment. "Course'n if you don't, we won't be too upset. I lava joke."

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Friday April 23rd, 2021 2:33:57 AM
Asimov patiently waits for an answer to his question (OOC: checking in)

DM Kim - Questions & Answers 
Friday April 23rd, 2021 5:51:44 AM
The rather regal drow matriarch takes in the questions and observations, and offers these reponses.

To Mundhildur: She nods at the expression of gratitude for the lighting, and understanding it was done for their benefit. "A force? We have not sensed a force, but we are puzzled.

"Let me tell you more. We believe a temple lies beyond the stone door, as near the door we uncovered a number of intact sculptures of drow women. The stylizations reminded us of other figures from a distant drow temple of some time ago.

To Zeoll: "No. A few were injured as we tried ways around the door, but none died. Many tools were damaged or broken, and not a few muscles and tendons were strained."

She pauses, and a vein shows on her forehead, and it seems she was about to add something, but she apparently chooses not to.

To Asimov: "You are the builder of this iron man? Impressive. Ah, there could be a Teucri element involved in the area of the temple. We do not yet know for certain. Do I think it likely? No. The tunnels we are now forming though carry none of the Teucri magics - we make simple tunnels. I will not say your conjecture is impossible, though, iron builder."

To The Twins: "Hire a party to try again?" she asks with a wry smile.

To Honor: "One of ours said to bring someone in from the outside with different perspectives may allow ways we have not considered to be tried."

To Enron: "I think I answered your question with what I just told Honor." She either does not 'get' or choose to respond to Enron's pun.

"It may be the temple we suspect is just out of our reach was not devoted to a deity, but rather to a powerful matriarch of my people. We really will not know, though, unless and until you are able to help us gain access. Whatever is found, though, it will open up to us a window into our past."

"As Zulok told you, items of historical and cultural value discovered will have our claim upon them. But there may be things of worth that do not particularly enlarge our understanding, and part of your reward and our gratitude would be that you could have some of them. We would ask you to report everything. If there is something you covet, tell us, that we may have good understanding between us, and neither of us end up feeling taken advantage of or deceived. Does this sound worthy of your consideration?"

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle (by Kim)  d20+12=14 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+8=16 ;
Friday April 23rd, 2021 6:00:17 AM

Zeoll noticed the drow's hesitance after answering his question. He tries to sense her motive, and be diplomatic as he probes further. Not certain as exactly how to go about it, he asks, "Was it something about the question of death that you found troubling, Nilyndryl of House D'gul?"
=========
Sense Motive: 14
Diplomacy: 14
Perception: 16

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Friday April 23rd, 2021 6:05:39 AM

"The things you ask of us, and offer to us, do sound worthy of consideration," Mundhi replies, simply.

She looks at the two guards, one right in front of her, and over at the male-in-waiting, or whatever he is.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Friday April 23rd, 2021 8:15:50 AM
The Twins shrug. They don't really see how their group would have any better luck getting in then the Drow but they're willing to try.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40 
Friday April 23rd, 2021 10:34:01 AM
"Figurativ'ly speakin', maybe you're trying to open th' door in, when it opens out?" Elron considers. "Can't hurt t' look. An' we're t' show you everythin' we find and let you decide what you value?"

Elron's game. If they are people of a bad nature, they would just take it anyway. If they're true to their word, the arrangement is fair. And if they fall somewhere in the middle, like most folks, then it'll be sorted out later.

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Friday April 23rd, 2021 12:56:34 PM
If she thinks she can do it subtly, Honor scans the room with her Detect Evil ability.

DM Kim, Meeting Etiquette  d20+13=19 ; d20+15=35 ;
Friday April 23rd, 2021 11:13:54 PM

Almost immediately as Honor subtly uses her focus and begins to gesticulate and mouth the words of the detect evil spell, Nilyndryl casts a spell requiring verbal and somatic elements (roll Spellcraft DC16 to know what spell she casts). Honor's attempt utterly fizzles.

The purple cast to her face has deepened, as though her face had become flushed. She has risen from her seat, and looks about two inches taller than before.

"How dare you cast a spell at a table of meeting without first announcing or requesting permission!" the drow matriarch asks/rebukes in a strained voice combining shock and incredulity. If you roll DC 7 or above on sense motive Highlight to display spoiler: {Nilyndryl appears highly offended at this breach of protocol}.

The guards snap to ready, each placing hand on rapier, but only pulling one or two inches of blade from their sheaths.

She takes in a sharp breath, and holds her hands out to her sides, palms facing her two guards. "Stand down!" she commands them. Each steps back, slides the rapier back in, and removes hand from the grip. Both do look ready for action, but obey immediately.

She breathes deeply once more. "Excuse me. You are not drow," and looks around the table. "You know not our ways. Were you drow," and she looks directly at Honor, "You would have been in serious danger for, let us call it a misstep. At a friendly table of meeting between strangers, one never casts a spell without first forewarning. So long as the offense is not repeated, I will ... attribute it to ignorance, rather than ill-will on your part."

She says to her male-in-waiting, "I have been rude to our guests. Please bring wine, ale, water, a few other beverages that they may slake their thirst, and see how preparations go for the meal." He nods deferentially and departs the room.

She resumes her seat, and says in a voice both calm and warm. "Having heard from the others," she says, turning toward Asimov, "Have you a further question or observation?" Her face has returned rather quickly to its normal coloration, and she looks relaxed, even friendly.

The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will 
Sunday April 25th, 2021 2:55:17 PM
The Twins jump in surprise in the outburst, then realize what happened and join the drow in sending dirty looks to Honor. They were supposed to be the strangers in the land and even they knew better.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40  d20+8=16 ;
Sunday April 25th, 2021 10:30:03 PM
(Sense motive = 16)

"Now hold, I say, hold on there. I can assure you Miss Honor meant no offense, whatever she was doin' that's got you het up. An' Honor, I'm sure you would apologize for any unintended offense." Elron will not put Honor on the spot any more than that, though. He moves to change the subject. "Say, if we're talkin' refreshment, you wouldn't happen t' have minted simple syrup, would you? Or just mint and some syrup will do. I can make a mightly fine drink with that. Maybe you'd be willin' t' try it after we've seen this temple."

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Monday April 26th, 2021 12:32:40 AM
Asimov says, "The lava tunnels in the past were enhanced with Teucri technology and this temple is from a time when your people had access to this enhancing technology, though you say that you do not believe the door to be enhanced in such a manner there could still exist other pieces of Teucri technology in the temple itself should we get in there. If we hypothetically came accross Teucri technology in there would you consider such technology culturally relevant or would that go into the pool of what we could choose for our reward? I know the goal is to feel that we have a fair agreement between our groups and we should report everything and let you know the items we are interested in, in the interest of collaboration but from what I understand Teucri technology is something that could be used for great good or great ill and its management is not to be taken lightly, I am curious as to your thoughts on this matter."

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle  d20+12=21 ;
Monday April 26th, 2021 2:49:39 PM

Zeoll tries to help his friends calm things down.

Diplomacy 21

He tries to redirect her back to his previous question. "But with the utmost rrespect, ma'am, can you elaborrate on this trroubling death?"

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Monday April 26th, 2021 3:47:44 PM
Honor frowns. "I did not," she says, annunciating clearly, "cast a spell. The gods have granted me certain abilities, but they are not spells."

[OOC: Honor doesn't have ranks in Spellcraft, so I have no way of knowing what spell was cast, but I wanted to note that spell-like abilities cannot be counterspelled.]

[DM Kim OOC: I incorrectly described Honor as casting a spell, rather than drawing upon a power. Despite that, trust me that the drow woman could sense that power, and she cast dispel magic - which can overcome what Honor attempted.]

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 4:08:59 AM
Mundhildur, when the guards' hands went for their rapiers, was planning how to trip the one closest to her - and was relieved that Nilyndryl had them back off. She watched the faces of her friends. She would have put out her hand to comfort Honor, but they had a liontaur between them. The tall woman says, "Excuse me," in a respectful tone, rises, and steps around Zeoll.

Mundhi puts her hands on Honor's armored shoulders. "I have now traveled several weeks with this woman," she says as she looks down upon her from where she stands. "I can assure you, whatever it was you thought you saw her doing, Honor Bright meant no harm to you." She turns her face toward the white-eyed drow. "That you felt the need to take immediate defensive action, Nilyndryl of House D'guil, makes me think that life among the drow may have its share of dangers. Please know, we came to help you and your people, not to harm you. We have a good measure of trust in the one who asked this of us. If you wish us to do this thing for you, we all would do well to be less ready to jump into action out of fear or apprehension where one another is concerned." One hand pats her friend on the upper arm, and she returns to her chair.

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 4:29:14 AM
(OOC: Checking in)

Asimov waits to hear the drow's opinions on Teucri technology in relation to the Drow culture.

DM Kim - And the next step is? 
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 5:03:37 AM

Zulok returns to the room. And seems to freeze after taking a few steps. "Did I ... miss something?" he asks, perhaps sensing some of the tension in the room. He looked at the faces of those he had guided here.

"No large matter, Zulok, but I trust a misunderstanding. Worry not," the matriarch tells the ranger. "Mint?" she echoes Elron. "Yes. Syrup? Yes, a syrupy drink we have. There is no need for an apology, so long as each other's ways are understood, and part of our ways are the rules of the table.

As Mundhildur seems to indicate a measure of consent to taking up the task, Nilyndryl smiles. "You, a woman of the Jotunar, show good sense."

Elron receives a smile as well. "That must be it - we've been pushing, when we should be pulling on the door?" She sighs. "Would that your jest proved true, and the answer so simple. Oh, yes - items of historical and cultural importance to us we likely will keep. Things outside those boundaries ought to go to those who help us gain passage. We simply ask they not be concealed. I have no intention of going against my word to you. I trust you will hold the same standard."

"Of course your suppositions show some knowledge of the history of the Scab," she says to Asimov. "Yes, our forebearers did at times take advantage of Teucri knowledge - but mostly we inherited what they had done in earlier days. If it turns out that such was an integral part of this temple, then that could be a complex question, no? I will say this - if such is found, you seem to have a fairly strong grasp on technology. I would not oppose you learning of it, and perhaps there will be a time for give and take. If Teucri things are found, will they all be yours? Not likely. But could some go to you who help us access it? I think we can find an arrangement of mutual benefit, a measure of sharing. Fair?" she asks him.

"Death is often troublesome, liontaur. But your question did bring to mind an earlier day," she says to Zeoll. "When others forced the collapse of our tunnels and dwelling places. Without warning. Most of our people perished." She goes quiet for a moment. Then continues, "Ten times ten thousand were crushed, or more.

"There was no battle. There was no conflict. It was a massacre. It was genocide. My people have never recovered." Her face is lined with sorrow. "You have been around for some years, it seems, Zeoll. Had you heard of what happened to us?"

She turns again to Honor, and nods permission as Mundhildur stands. She listens to both.

"As I have said, I will not hold against you what you did. And I believe your tall friend here, that you meant no harm. Can you not hold against me my response? I was hasty, and from what some of you are saying, there was a misunderstanding. Might we be as sisters? Sometimes quick to quarrel, perhaps, but quick to forget the matter as well?" Sense motive DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {Nilyndryl seems quite sincere in wanting to put this matter behind, and a little flustered both at Honor's action and her own reaction. And this is as close to an apology as she is likely to give.}

Just then the two men-at-waiting come in the door with beverages. Sorry, no minty syrup as of yet, but a deep red wine, some brandy, clear cool water, and a light ale are presented and identified. Several silver goblets, clear pink glasses, and black stone mugs are set down for people to use. "Take one drink or two, if you wish. Dinner can be ready in a few more minutes," one of the drow servants says.

At that, Nilyndryl takes a silver goblet of wine, and asks, "Do you think we have a place to work together? You have traveled a long journey to come this far. You are adventurers. Can we together lift a glass to this adventure of discovery?" She raises her goblet, and an inquiring eyebrow, to see if those gathered in this room are willing to proceed. She then adds if some hesitate. "Would it be easier if I and my people were to step out for a few minutes that you may discuss the matter freely among yourselves?"

Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle 
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 11:19:14 AM

"Ah yes, the Lava Tubes of Thekk. Crreated by naturral vulcanism, allowing passage underr the Scab, augmented by the Teucrri, used by an invading drrow army to invade the surrface Wold. And collapsed by the Storrm Drragons, ending the invasion and murrderring 100,000 drow. Yes, I know the storry."

Zeoll sighs. "A grreat trragedy."

Honor Bright (Kathy) 
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 4:05:57 PM
"I'm an only child," Honor says absently.

Then she adds, "It was a misunderstanding. I'm sure you had good reason to act as you did. Let us say no more about it."

Honor finds it very interesting that this woman did not want her detecting for evil. She is on her guard.

SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 40/40  d20+8=23 ;
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 6:08:18 PM
Elron lifts his glass in what seems a toast, but does not drink until he sees the others are of a like mind.

"I like jokes, not riddles. This d'scushun puts me in mind of a riddle with more than one answer."

Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 14/11/13 HP 29/29 Hardness 2  
Tuesday April 27th, 2021 10:52:19 PM
Asimov also takes a silver goblet of wine seeing the Drow matriarch do the same.

"We shall see what we discover in there. I know not if there will be Teucri technology but if there is your proposition as to its dispensation seems like a fair one. I'm in if the others have no objections."

Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41  
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 1:46:13 AM

Mundhi tries some brandy in a silver goblet, which she swirls then sniffs. She looks up. "I'm willing to lift to the work ahead. I see no need for you to leave. So, let us be clever, crafty, cunning, and careful as we explore these areas of a bygone era. May the drow gain knowledge and wisdom, and us some of that, too. And may we find a gift to take back to the sweet girl, Dani." She lifts cup to lips, and waits for two or more to join her. If at least that many do, she drinks down.

DM Kim:  
Wednesday April 28th, 2021 1:59:20 AM

The drow matriarch bows her head for a moment as Zeoll describes the Catastrophe and that which led to it. "If any of you suspect that we have designs on repeating the mistakes of our ancestors, know this: I have NO intention of using what we learn as a leap back to assaults on the surface Wold. That is not my intention at all, nor shall it ever be. My people do not need that." Sense motive DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: {She is telling the truth, and has no wish to make enemies on the surface Wold, nor to attack them.}

"Ah, so no sisters," she reflects on Honor's lack of siblings. "Sisters, and I suppose brothers, can teach one many things. Yet no doubt your circumstance has its own advantages," she says thoughtfully herself.

To Elron: "Then can you learn some of the answers to the riddles before us. And with your talent turn some of them into jests, good rooster."

Nilyndryl nods affirmation to Asimov's words, then as well to Mundhildur's. "Do we ... are you willing to give it a try, then?" she asks those who have not committed. She adds, "We've a good meal ahead of us where you can sample some subwoldian delicacies, and a safe place for you to stay the evening. In the morning, after breaking fast, we can take you to the place of the door that will not open."

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